FAQs

Membership:

How do I join USTRC?

If you are new to USTRC, getting a membership is easy. Just click on the Join link at USTRC.com or call 254.968.0002 and enter extension 5151. The membership form can also be found in the SuperLooper and several other publications. Fill out the application form in its entirety and submit by mail to P.O. Box 1198, Stephenville, Texas 76401 or if paying by credit card fax to 254.968.0003. If submitting online, just complete the application and hit enter. If you are a new member, you will need to call the USTRC in order for a classification number to be assigned to you. You can also join at any USTRC Affiliate, Grassroots or Sanctioned event and temporary number will be assigned to you.
If you are a renewing member or have been a member in the past, you can log in to your member page and renew your membership there. If you don’t remember your member number or password, just call 254.968.0002 ext. 5151 and a USTRC representative will be glad to help you out.

How do I get a replacement card?

Call 254.968.0002 ext. 5150 and request a new card or email ustrc@ustrc.com.

Is there a lifetime membership?

Yes, if you are 70 years old or will celebrate your 70th birthday at any time during the current membership year, you can purchase a lifetime USTRC membership for a one–time fee of $100, which provides you with all the benefits of a Gold Spur membership.
If you are a current Gold Plus member or wish to upgrade to Gold Plus status, an additional $200 fee must be paid annually to retain those member benefits.

I have a lifetime Gold Spur membership, how do I upgrade to Gold Plus?

While there is not a lifetime Gold Plus membership, you can upgrade each year to Gold Plus for $200.

How much does membership cost for children?

Junior Looper membership is free to youngsters 12 and under. A copy of their birth certificate and a social security number is required in order to receive this membership.

What events can youth rope in with a Junior Looper membership?

Your children can rope in the very popular Junior Looper “dummy” ropings that take place at every USTRC sanctioned ropings including the National Finals, where the Junior Looper Championships are held. If your child is ready to compete in the arena, his or her FREE Junior Looper card will be valid at any USTRC approved event until their 13th birthday, then a regular membership will need to be purchased.

Will my child be classified?

Yes, please call 254.968.0002 ext. 5151 for classification.

Is there a family membership?

If you have children age 20 and younger living at home and/or a spouse, the Gold Plus membership is the one for you. For $300, you and your spouse will receive Gold Plus member status, while all children 20 and younger living in your home will receive Gold Spur membership status. For more information about membership, go to Section 3 of the USTRC Rulebook.

How long does membership last?

Your membership begins on the date of purchase and ends on December 31 of that same year. Memberships purchased after September 1 of any given year are valid through December 31 of the next year. For example, if you purchase a membership on September 3, 2011, it will expire on December 31, 2012. Purchasing early is always a good idea!

I am not receiving my SuperLooper. What happened?

If you are no longer receiving your SuperLooper, it’s one of two reasons. First, your membership has expired and as time as passed, the SuperLooper is no longer being mailed to you. Or, you have not updated your mailing address. You can call 254.968.0002 and press zero, or go to your USTRC member page and update it there.

I’ve gotten married and my last name has changed.

Congratulations! In order to change the name on your membership, you will need to provide a copy of your marriage license and a government ID, like a driver’s license, showing your new name. A new card will be sent to you.

Classification:

I am a first time member, how do I get classified?

The USTRC TRIAD (Team Roping Information and Data) system is the only one of its kind in the world and most trusted in team roping. Through it, USTRC assigns ropers with number #1 through #9 for headers and #1 through #10 for heelers. First time members will need to call a Classification Representative to get classified 254-968-0002 Ext 5150. Refer to Section 2.2 of the USTRC Rulebook for more.

What does “Elite” mean?

“Elite” is a roper that has a distinctive competitive advantage or disadvantage. It is determined by adequate performance data that has been collected. The effect of the Elite system will further level the playing field by preventing two Elite ropers from partnering together unless they give up a division. For example, an Elite 5 header won’t be allowed to enter the #10 division with an Elite 5 heeler. Instead, they will have to enter the #11 division. However, an Elite #5 header will be allowed to enter the number #10 division with a #5 heeler. In other words, the sum of your classification and your partner’s classification determines the division you are eligible to enter unless BOTH ropers are classified as “Elite.” This procedure will more closely define the caliber of each roping division.

How do I appeal my Classification number?

Information is constantly being fed into the TRIAD system so numbers can change based on the ropers growing or diminishing competitiveness. Please call a Classification Representative to assist your classification needs 254-968-0002 Ext 5150.

What is the process to apply for a double number?

Application for a double number may be made in two different forms depending on the roper’s level of membership. Gold Plus members may apply for a double number by phone with no additional cost. Gold Spur members may request a double number application from the USTRC National Office and submit the application accompanied by a $40 non-refundable Double Number fee. The application is then turned over to an administrator for further action through the balloting process and/or review of performance data. If the applicant had applied and received a double number in the previous year there is no charge to renew a Double Number each year.

How often does the USTRC offer a Classification Ballot?

Online (ustrc.com) ballots will be submitted to USTRC members three times each year for voting purposes: November, March, and June. The results of the ballot voting will be announced and put into effect following ballot submission i.e. January, May and July, respectively. Ropers will only be placed on a ballot as a result of one or more of the following conditions:
(A) All ropers under the age of 25 will automatically be placed on a ballot. (B) All ropers over the age of 50. (C) Anyone who has requested to be on the ballot or D) under audit due to changes in performance data.

Who can vote on the ballot?

Only current members who are 18 years of age or older, classified as a #4 or higher and in good standing with the USTRC will be allowed access to online balloting. USTRC members shall vote on general ballots; appeals and double number ballots and first time classifications. Any member may be excluded from voting by the USTRC if it is determined the member has no concept of USTRC classification criteria, or if the member conspires to help or do harm to any particular group of ropers or individual roper.

I haven’t been a member of the USTRC in a few years, how do I find out my Classification number?

Call 254.968.0002 ext. 5151 and a USTRC representative will be happy to assist you.

Competition

I am unable to find a partner.

If you need assistance finding a partner, we can help you with that. USTRC will match you to another roper through its Partner Finder or Draw In Option at sanctioned events. A partner will be matched to you from among all Headers and Heelers within the division you wish to enter provided you meet eligibility requirements.

Please explain the Draw in Option?

The Draw in Option is just as it says, you may draw into any division 15 through the 9. If you do not have a partner and you meet the criteria to draw in, just simply turn in your entry card with you name on the position you want to roper, and the computer will draw you a partner.

If my partner does not pay for the drawn run with me, am I going to receive the winnings and prizes?

Yes your entry is paid so you are eligible for all the winnings, prizes and Flex Earnings (if appropriate).

What division can I draw into a ropings?

Here is the complete format of what classification you need to be to draw into a roping.

- #15 Handicap – must be at least a #6 Header or a #7 Heeler
- #13 Handicap – must be at least a #5 Header or a #6 Heeler
- #12 (#11 Incentive) – must be at least a #4 Header or a #6 Heeler
- #11 (#10 Incentive) – must be at least a #4 Header or a #5 Heeler
- #10 (#9 Incentive) – must be at least a #3 Header or a #4 Heeler
- # 9 (#8 Incentive) – must be at least a #3 Header or a #3 Heeler
- #12 Gold Plus with #10 Incentive – must be at least a #3 Header or a #4 Heeler

What’s the difference between an Affiliate, a Grassroots and a Sanctioned roping?

All sanctioned ropings guarantee an allocation of Flex Earnings that qualify ropers for National and Regional Finals Shoot Out positions. Sanctioned events also have a minimum guaranteed prize line so ropers are sure to get a shot at some great cash and prizes.
Grassroots ropings also provide an allocation of Flex Earnings, although at a lower level than sanctioned events. Fees at these ropings are typically lower than sanctioned.
An affiliate roping is also one that usually costs less to enter, and may offer Flex Earnings depending on the purse. These are great ropings to enter build your applied earnings that count toward National or Regional Finals Shoot Out positions.
All of these ropings require a current USTRC membership and a commitment by the producer to utilize the USTRC TRIAD classification system.

What is a handicap roping?

In order to level the playing field, handicap offers seconds off the time of teams of ropers whose classification numbers are lower than they division in which they entered. Seconds off will be given to teams whose combination of classifications equals less than the advertised division. For more on handicaps, go to Section 6 of the Rulebook.

What is an incentive?

This is a roping within a roping. A separate purse is set aside from the regular payout to be paid to those ropers who enter as an incentive team. So, for example, if the roping is a #10 with a #9 Incentive, the Incentive teams totaling a #9, like a #5 header and a #4 heeler, are eligible for that extra purse, as well as the regular payout.

What is “winning the average?”

This is the team that progresses through all go rounds with the fastest total or cumulative time on the number of required number of steers.

When do I enter?

With the exception of the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping and its Regional Finals series, all entries can be made on site at the roping secretary office. You should always be entered at least one hour before your division. This procedure allows secretaries plenty of time to complete the entries and post the draw order. Teams entering late on site at a Regional Finals will be required to pay a $40 late fee ($20 per roper).

How is the draw order listed?

The draw order is typically listed by last name and will include the roper’s name and the name of his or her partners for all the teams in that division. If your name is highlighted, you will need to go to the secretary’s office.

Can I pay my partner’s fees?

Yes, this is totally between you and your partner. However, should your team win, payment of winnings will be made separately.

What are Flex Earnings?

Think of Flex Earnings as points. These are allocated based on the placing you reach in an individual division at a Sanctioned or GrassRoots event. These “point” dollars can be added to your applied earnings (winnings USTRC Affiliate, Grassroots or Sanctioned events that were not awarded Flex Earnings) to qualify for Regional and National Finals Shoot Out entry positions. You can use these dollars however you’d like to allocate $1,000 ($2,000 per team) toward a spot at any of the seven Regional Finals and $3,000 ($6,000 per team) for a National Finals of Team Roping entry. While your unused applied earnings do carry over from season to season, your Flex Earnings do not. And remember, Flex Earnings are automatically credited to your member account when you join or renew and participate in a sanctioned roping. $1,000 is allocated for Gold Spur members and $3,000 for Gold Plus members.

Last week I attended a USTRC event and was told I had won Flex Earnings. What does this mean?

Winning Flex Earnings means you have qualified to rope against a select few other winners in a special roping. These are the most lucrative ropings in the country and are loaded with added money and prizes. The USTRC office keeps track of all Flex Earnings winners. You may view your Available Earnings (total of Flex and Applied Earnings) at www.ustrc.com and select member services, then follow the wizard to sign into your record.

Do I have to use the Flex Earnings I received from buying my Gold Plus membership in the Gold Plus division at the NFTR?

No. You are free to use any Flex Earnings you receive to qualify for any division at any Regional Finals or the NFTR.

Can I upgrade my Gold Spur membership to a Gold Plus?

You can upgrade your current membership to a Gold Plus membership for $200 to receive Gold Plus member benefits. Please call 254.968.0002 and enter extension 5016.

Do I still have to pay my entry fees if my partner and I have enough Flex Earnings to enter a Regional or National Finals?

Yes,you still pay your entry fees. Think of your Flex and Applied Earnings as points that qualify you to participate in the Shoot-Out divisions. Once you and your partner have enough earnings (points) to qualify to enter a Shoot-Out division, you are still responsible to pay your entry fees.

Can I use my Flex Earnings for a partner?

Yes, they are yours to do with what you’d like. So, if you’re partner only has $2,500 in Available Earnings (the total of Flex and Applied Earnings), you can contribute $3,500 to qualify you for a National Finals Shoot Out Position.

Do I have to rope with the partner I won the Flex Earnings with?

No, again, these are your earnings “points.” That’s why they are called Flex because you have the flexibility to use them as you like during a given roping year.

How do I know how much I have earned?

You can log in to the Member page at www.ustrc.com and your personal page will be displayed with a listing of your earnings. If you have never logged in before, you will be prompted to choose a password for future use.

Can I give my Flex Earnings to someone else?

No, Flex earnings are non-transferrable, however, as mentioned above, you can apply your Flex Earnings with that of your partner’s to total the number required.

I did not see the Flex Earnings in my Earnings account that I had received from the Regional’s last year.

Any unused Flex Earnings do not carry forward to the next season just as in the old system whereas National and Regional shoot-out did not carry over to the next season.

If I am pre-entered two times in a Regional Shoot-Out division and I win paid position in that Regional Shoot-out division, how do I use the paid position I won in the preliminary?

1. You have a couple of options. You may choose to draw out one of the pre-entered positions, re-instating your Flex Earnings to use at another Regional event and receive a refund.
2. You can use that paid position in another Shoot-out division.
Your partner’s replacement will be required to pay the entry fee.